THE region has been rocked by another jobs blow with aerospace giant Airbus confirming it is looking to shed up to 250 jobs as the economic downturn hits orders for a business jet.

The company, which employs up to 7,000 staff, is looking to make cutbacks at its wingmaking factory complex in Flintshire after talks with unions.

On Monday it was announced they were entering into a 90-day consultation period with staff, unions, and the Blue Arrow agency over job losses.

Workers union Unite said the three parties would do everything possible to ensure any job losses would be voluntary but added that it could not guarantee this would be the case.

The main reason for the threat to jobs has been a suspension in a number of orders for the Hawker Business Jet. This section is understood to employ around 350 staff.

A joint statement released by Airbus, Blue Arrow and Unite said: "As part of a review of its business and manpower requirements, Airbus in the UK has asked Blue Arrow Managed Services to look at reducing the size of its complementary labour force at Airbus’ Broughton facility, by approximately 250.

"Representatives from Airbus in the UK, Blue Arrow Managed Services and Unite have been - and will continue to be - working closely together, in the coming months, to manage this situation effectively and responsibly, with the shared objective of avoiding compulsory redundancies of Blue Arrow employees wherever possible.

"Ongoing discussions on flexibility measures, which began in February, will continue."